Prospective controlled animal study on biopsy sampling with new flexible cryoprobes versus forceps: evaluation of biopsy size, histological quality and bleeding risk.

Background: Cryoextraction is a procedure used for the recanalization of obstructed airways caused by visible exophytic endobronchial tumor. Biopsy samples obtained by this technique have been shown to be useful for histological assessment.

Objectives: The aim of the present animal study was to systematically evaluate biopsy size, histological quality and bleeding risk after cryobiopsy with new, flexible cryoprobes in comparison with forceps biopsy, serving as the gold standard.

Evaluation of the hemostatic and coagulation effects of AUTO CUT and DRY CUT using a computer-controlled cutting system.

Objectives: To evaluate a newly developed computer-controlled cutting system for the generation of standardized resections and to systematically compare the hemostatic properties and tissue effect of 2 cutting modes, namely, AUTO CUT and DRY CUT used in urologic procedures.

Methods: An isolated perfused kidney model was used to assess blood loss and coagulation depth after resection of tissue specimens of standardized geometry, size, and cutting velocity with a resection loop. Three different effect settings (E1, E3, and E6; 200 W) of the electrosurgical modes AUTO CUT and DRY CUT were compared.

Investigation of the thermal tissue effects of the argon plasma coagulation modes "pulsed" and "precise" on the porcine esophagus, ex vivo and in vivo.

Background: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a monopolar, noncontact, thermal procedure that is widely used in therapeutic endoscopy. Systematic investigations of the tissue damage ex vivo and in vivo with the new, second-generation APC modes are lacking.

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare the tissue effects of the pulsed effect 2 and precise APC modes.

Intracerebral and intrathecal infusion of the TGF-beta 2-specific antisense phosphorothioate oligonucleotide AP 12009 in rabbits and primates: toxicology and safety.

Here, we provide first evidence that long-term continuous infusion of highly purified antisense phosphorothioate oligodeoxynucleotides (S-ODN) into brain parenchyma is well tolerated and thus highly suitable for in vivo application. AP 12009 is an S-ODN for the therapy of malignant glioma. It is directed against human transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta2) mRNA.